Surface Markers on Human B and T Lymphocytes V. Characterization of the Lymphoproliferative Response to Three Different Lectins and Allogeneic Lymphocytes by Surface Markers.

The response of human peripheral lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin-, concanavalin A-, pokeweed mitogen-, and mitomycin-treated allogeneic lymphocytes was characterized according to the surface markers of the responding cells. Almost all blast cells derived from these cultures could be classified as either B or T cells. Phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and allogeneic lymphocytes triggered exclusively T-cell stimulation, whereas pokeweed mitogen gave rise to a dual response. No shift in the proportion of responding B and T cells was found at different concentrations of pokeweed mitogen under the present conditions. Purified T cells, isolated by sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) rosette sedimentation, responded slightly more strongly than unseparated cells, whereas purified non-SRBC-binding cells were essentially unresponsive to all three lectins. The presence of monocytes was found to increase the lectin responses as well as to make them more reproducible. It is suggested that the classification of proliferating lymphocytes by surface markers may yield clinical information as well as serve as a useful tool in the evaluation of in vitro cellular cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]